Hurricane Irma’s Impact on New Jersey

Just how historic is Hurricane Irma?

Tied for the second strongest storm ever in the Atlantic Basin — behind Hurricane Allen in 1980, tied with three other storms

Strongest storm in Atlantic history outside of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico

Strongest hurricane anywhere in the Atlantic since 2005, which was Wilma, also 185 mph

Has maintained intensity above 180 mph longer than any storm in Atlantic history — 27 hours and counting.

The impact of Hurricane Irma on New Jersey remains unclear as the Category 5 storm continues a westward path. To date Hurricanes Andrew (1992), Camille (1969) and one in 1935 are the only Category-5 storms to ever make landfall in the United States.

What you need to know now

The National Hurricane Center urges everyone in hurricane-prone areas to prepare a hurricane plan now. The NJ Office of Emergency Management spokeswoman Laura Connolly said the first thing to do is get together with your family and just start the conversation about preparedness.

The very basics of preparing for a storm include, according ready.nj.gov

Three days’ supply of canned, non-perishable, ready-to-eat food

Three days’ supply of water (a total of three gallons per family member)

Battery-operated radio and extra batteries

Flashlight and extra batteries

One week’s prescription medications

First aid kit

Personal toiletries

Non-electric can openers and utensils

Infant care items

Items for elderly family members

Items for relatives with disabilities

Cash or travelers checks

Store important documents in a waterproof, safe location

Keep your vehicle’s gas level at a minimum of half-a-tank

Every family member must carry contact information

All phone numbers at work, school, etc. for every family member

The name and number of a relative who lives out-of-state, to call in case your family gets separated.